How to Make a Crosscut With a Table Saw

Keep in mind that there is more than one type of cut that you can make with a table saw. Table saws are versatile tools. Normally, table saws are used to rip lumber into widths needed for the building or remodeling project you're working on. Here is how to make a crosscut with a table saw. This is a bit different than a standard rip cut.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Remove the rip fence that goes from the front of the table saw to the back of the table saw. Leaving this on may cause a kick-back on your lumber when you're doing a crosscut. Kick-back can cause severe injury.

2. Attach the crosscut bar to the table saw. This crosscut attachment lays in the groove that's cut in the table saw from front to back. Normally, there are 2 grooves: 1 on each side of the saw blade. This attachment is adjustable for different angles.

3. Check the crosscut bar attachment. Put it on 90 degrees and tighten it down. With the table saw turned off, put a square against the stop of the crosscut attachment and slide the square against the blade. If they both line up flush with each other, you have a true 90-degree cut.

4. Adjust your crosscut attachment to the 45-degree angle if you want to make an angle crosscut. With the board tightly pressed against the stop of your crosscut bar, slide the bar and wood through the blade. Hold the wood firmly as you make your cut. After finishing the cut, slide your material away from the blade. Turn the table saw off. Let the blade stop completely before moving the scrap piece.